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Overview

Reviews (3)

As a Senior Editor at Scholastic and Disney, I worked with many award-winning and best-selling authors and illustrators. Whether you are looking for editorial feedback on a manuscript or need help to further develop an idea, collaborating with authors is my passion. Once we have completed our work together, you will have a manuscript that is ready for the next step in the publishing process.

I have worked on both stand-alone books and series, from the fact-based Magic School Bus and Dear America lines at Scholastic to the best-selling High School Musical and Hannah Montana tie-ins at Disney. I have been lucky enough to personally edit such luminaries as Joanna Cole, Edwidge Danticat, Walter Dean Myers, Mary Pope Osborne, and Cynthia Rylant.

I've received the Golden Kite Editor Award, was a mentor at the Northern New England SCBWI Writers' Retreat, and have spoken at numerous children's literature conferences

Non-Fiction

Certifications

Awards

Work experience

Editor

• Since 2013, I have edited and consulted on 150+ children’s book and digital projects, ranging from picture books to middle-grade novels, ebooks, blog posts and apps.
• Little Zebra Books, Editorial Project Manager (2013–2014): This non-profit publisher serves rural communities in Africa through the distribution of African-language books.
• Hattie Mae and Pals, Editor and Publishing Consultant (2010–2012): This non-profit organization raises awareness of childhood obesity and encourages families to live a healthy lifestyle; I edited their brand-launching book, and advised the team on the publishing process.
• Blue Dream Studios, Editor (2008–2013): Developmental editor for middle-grade novels; reviewed page layouts and provided editorial comments for multiple graphic novels.

Senior Editor

Disney Press

September, 2005
–
April, 2007
(over 1 year)

• Managed, acquired, and edited all Disney Channel-based publishing; liasoned with Disney Channel Brand Management team to ensure brand consistency.
• Acquired retellings of Walt Disney’s Cinderella by Newbery Medal-winning author Cynthia Rylant and Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland by best-selling author Jon Scieszka.
• Edited approximately twenty-five books per year, including picture books and novels; wrote cover copy, catalog copy, and marketing fact sheets for each title.
• Conceived and edited High School Musical: Stories from East High, a best-selling series of original novels; edited the New York Times bestseller High School Musical: The Junior Novel.

Senior Editor

Orchard Books/Scholastic

April, 2001
–
August, 2004
(over 3 years)

• Acquired and edited picture books, novels, and nonfiction; wrote cover copy, catalog copy and marketing fact sheets for each title.
• Tapped by Scholastic’s publisher to manage integration of the Orchard Books list when acquired by Scholastic; forged relationships with authors and illustrators on the Orchard list.
• Managed an Associate Editor, who edited foreign purchases and original titles.
• Oversaw committee that evaluated 800+ Orchard backlist titles to determine reprint viability.
• Negotiated contracts, including advances, royalties, and subsidiary rights, with authors and agents.

Editor

Scholastic

July, 1995
–
April, 2001
(almost 6 years)

• Managed Dear America and launched two series under the Dear America umbrella; edited the majority of the books in the three lines and worked closely with marketing and Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs to promote the series.
• Edited several books in the science-based series The Magic School Bus and launched Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures, a social studies-based offshoot of the series.
• Wrote cover copy, catalog copy, and marketing fact sheets for each title.
• Managed an Associate Editor

Assistant Editor

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

May, 1994
–
July, 1995
(about 1 year)

Editorial Assistant

Bradbury Press, an imprint of Macmillan

September, 1993
–
May, 1994
(8 months)

Portfolio (22 selected works)

First Person Fiction is dedicated to the immigrant experience in modern America. In "Behind the Mountains" Edwidge Danticat tells the story of Celiane and her family's struggles in Haiti and New York.It is election time in Haiti, and bombs are going off in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. During a visit from her home in rural Haiti, Celiane Espérance and her mother are nearly killed. Lookin... read more

First Person Fiction is dedicated to the immigrant experience in modern America. In "Behind the Mountains" Edwidge Danticat tells the story of Celiane and her family's struggles in Haiti and New York.It is election time in Haiti, and bombs are going off in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. During a visit from her home in rural Haiti, Celiane Espérance and her mother are nearly killed. Lookin... read more

In a stunning nonfiction debut, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson focuses on five immigrants' stories to reveal the triumphs and hardships of early 1900s immigrant life in New York.Acclaimed author Hopkinson recounts the lives of five immigrants to New York's Lower East Side through oral histories and engaging narrative. We hear Romanian-born Marcus Ravage's disappointment when his aunt p... read more

In a stunning nonfiction debut, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson focuses on five immigrants' stories to reveal the triumphs and hardships of early 1900s immigrant life in New York.Acclaimed author Hopkinson recounts the lives of five immigrants to New York's Lower East Side through oral histories and engaging narrative. We hear Romanian-born Marcus Ravage's disappointment when his aunt p... read more

A charming story about finding the courage to tell someone special how you feel about them.Poor Pierre wishes he could tell Catherine how he feels about her, but Catherine is a graceful ballet teacher, and Pierre is merely a poor fisherman.By making a few silly mistakes and a few more brave decisions, Pierre soon learns that being a fisherman may not make him so hard to love after all.Pennypac... read more

A charming story about finding the courage to tell someone special how you feel about them.Poor Pierre wishes he could tell Catherine how he feels about her, but Catherine is a graceful ballet teacher, and Pierre is merely a poor fisherman.By making a few silly mistakes and a few more brave decisions, Pierre soon learns that being a fisherman may not make him so hard to love after all.Pennypac... read more

A new novel from the award-winning author of AN ISLAND LIKE YOU, winner of the Pura Belpre Award.Maria is a girl caught between two worlds: Puerto Rico, where she was born, and New York, where she now lives in a basement apartment in the barrio. While her mother remains on the island, Maria lives with her father, the super of their building. As she struggles to lose her island accent, Maria do... read more

A new novel from the award-winning author of AN ISLAND LIKE YOU, winner of the Pura Belpre Award.Maria is a girl caught between two worlds: Puerto Rico, where she was born, and New York, where she now lives in a basement apartment in the barrio. While her mother remains on the island, Maria lives with her father, the super of their building. As she struggles to lose her island accent, Maria do... read more

In this paperback debut, Alison Pollet brings us the story of an observant uptown girl named Penelope, whose posh upbringing can't protect her from changes at home and at school.It's 1981, and nothing is going right in Penelope's life. She has just started seventh grade at Elston Prep, and she and her best friend Stacy aren't getting along. Stacy is all caught up in who's wearing what to whose... read more

In this paperback debut, Alison Pollet brings us the story of an observant uptown girl named Penelope, whose posh upbringing can't protect her from changes at home and at school.It's 1981, and nothing is going right in Penelope's life. She has just started seventh grade at Elston Prep, and she and her best friend Stacy aren't getting along. Stacy is all caught up in who's wearing what to whose... read more

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!On a most sense-sational trip that takes them through an eye, an ear, a tongue, and even a dog's nose, Ms. Frizzle's class learns about the senses. Using their trademark sense of humor, Joanna Cole ... read more

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!On a most sense-sational trip that takes them through an eye, an ear, a tongue, and even a dog's nose, Ms. Frizzle's class learns about the senses. Using their trademark sense of humor, Joanna Cole ... read more

GET BUSY, BEAVER! is the adorable story of Thelonious Beaver, who doesn't fit in. But as he continues to do the things he loves, the other beavers realize how wonderfully special Thelonious is.Thelonious isn't like the other beavers. He's a little different.While Ma, Pa, and Babs Beaver hurry, hurry, hurry to make their dam bigger, bigger, bigger, Thelonious is busy with a project of his own -... read more

GET BUSY, BEAVER! is the adorable story of Thelonious Beaver, who doesn't fit in. But as he continues to do the things he loves, the other beavers realize how wonderfully special Thelonious is.Thelonious isn't like the other beavers. He's a little different.While Ma, Pa, and Babs Beaver hurry, hurry, hurry to make their dam bigger, bigger, bigger, Thelonious is busy with a project of his own -... read more

From extraordinarily talented and successful textile designer Kim Parker comes a gorgeous gift book brimming with insects, animals, and flowers.In "Counting in the Garden," readers count from 1 to 10, searching among the colorful flowers for various creatures hidden among Kim Parker's lush garden scenes.From butterflies to inchworms, ducklings to turtles, kids will love to seek and find the in... read more

From extraordinarily talented and successful textile designer Kim Parker comes a gorgeous gift book brimming with insects, animals, and flowers.In "Counting in the Garden," readers count from 1 to 10, searching among the colorful flowers for various creatures hidden among Kim Parker's lush garden scenes.From butterflies to inchworms, ducklings to turtles, kids will love to seek and find the in... read more

Walter Dean Myers presents a thrilling record of Antarctica and the expedition parties that uncovered the frozen continent.Walter Dean Myers brings the dramatic race to the South Pole to lie in ANTARCTICA, tracking the explorers of the South Pole and the dangers they encountered there, as well as their contributions to modern science. He describes the extreme climate conditions in Antarctica, ... read more

Walter Dean Myers presents a thrilling record of Antarctica and the expedition parties that uncovered the frozen continent.Walter Dean Myers brings the dramatic race to the South Pole to lie in ANTARCTICA, tracking the explorers of the South Pole and the dangers they encountered there, as well as their contributions to modern science. He describes the extreme climate conditions in Antarctica, ... read more

A quirky, inventive chapter book featuring an unusual hero--an 8-year-old worrier. Now in paperback!Stuart's got problems. It's raining. He's bored. And worst of all, he's new in town, so he's got a lot to worry about. What does a kid like Stuart need in order to have an adventure? A cape, of course!

A quirky, inventive chapter book featuring an unusual hero--an 8-year-old worrier. Now in paperback!Stuart's got problems. It's raining. He's bored. And worst of all, he's new in town, so he's got a lot to worry about. What does a kid like Stuart need in order to have an adventure? A cape, of course!

This hilarious sequel to STUART'S CAPE is a witty look at an eight-year-old worrier's first day of third grade. Now in paperback!The first day of school is here, and Stuart is worried. What if he gets stuck in the boys' bathroom? What if he doesn't have anything to show for show and tell? Worst of all, what if his mother really makes him wear those green plaid pants and a shirt with little cow... read more

This hilarious sequel to STUART'S CAPE is a witty look at an eight-year-old worrier's first day of third grade. Now in paperback!The first day of school is here, and Stuart is worried. What if he gets stuck in the boys' bathroom? What if he doesn't have anything to show for show and tell? Worst of all, what if his mother really makes him wear those green plaid pants and a shirt with little cow... read more

In a semi-autobiographical debut novel that is at turns poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, John Son conveys the uniqueness and universality of a Korean-American childhood.Jin-Han Park's story opens with his first memory: losing his hat to a sudden gust of wind. He never gets it back. But his Uhmmah buys him many more hats, and Jin-Han discovers that he can reinvent himself with a change of hea... read more

In a semi-autobiographical debut novel that is at turns poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, John Son conveys the uniqueness and universality of a Korean-American childhood.Jin-Han Park's story opens with his first memory: losing his hat to a sudden gust of wind. He never gets it back. But his Uhmmah buys him many more hats, and Jin-Han discovers that he can reinvent himself with a change of hea... read more

LASSIE, GO HOME -- MUSH IS HERE! Now that Kelly Mangiaro's family has moved out of their apartment into a house, she figures her parents will finally let her get a dog. Instead, her mother gets a job, and Kelly gets a baby-sitter. Then Kelly comes upon Mush, a mushamute -- a breed not recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club, or by anyone else for that matter, possibly because mushamutes come... read more

LASSIE, GO HOME -- MUSH IS HERE! Now that Kelly Mangiaro's family has moved out of their apartment into a house, she figures her parents will finally let her get a dog. Instead, her mother gets a job, and Kelly gets a baby-sitter. Then Kelly comes upon Mush, a mushamute -- a breed not recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club, or by anyone else for that matter, possibly because mushamutes come... read more

The sequel to Alison Pollet's brilliant debut, NOBODY WAS HERE, follows quick-witted Cass Levin, through the rugged terrain of 8th grade at New York City's Elston Prep.Why are there so many books about orphans? That's what Cass Levin wants to know. Why, just about every book on the reading list for her English class is about an orphan! Huckleberry Finn, Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre -- orphan, orpha... read more

The sequel to Alison Pollet's brilliant debut, NOBODY WAS HERE, follows quick-witted Cass Levin, through the rugged terrain of 8th grade at New York City's Elston Prep.Why are there so many books about orphans? That's what Cass Levin wants to know. Why, just about every book on the reading list for her English class is about an orphan! Huckleberry Finn, Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre -- orphan, orpha... read more

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!Small enough to squeeze through power lines, Ms. Frizzle's class learns how electric current travels through the town, lights up a light bulb, heats up a toaster, and runs an electric motor. Fans of... read more

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!Small enough to squeeze through power lines, Ms. Frizzle's class learns how electric current travels through the town, lights up a light bulb, heats up a toaster, and runs an electric motor. Fans of... read more

Jeff Brumbeau's prequel to the best-selling THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT, illustrated with Gail de Marcken's rich, sumptuously detailed paintings, will be embraced by new and old fans of the Quiltmaker.Escaping from the protective walls of wealth and privilege, a young girl discovers the harsh world outside, where some people don't have as much as others. When she realizes that she has the power to h... read more

Jeff Brumbeau's prequel to the best-selling THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT, illustrated with Gail de Marcken's rich, sumptuously detailed paintings, will be embraced by new and old fans of the Quiltmaker.Escaping from the protective walls of wealth and privilege, a young girl discovers the harsh world outside, where some people don't have as much as others. When she realizes that she has the power to h... read more

Robert Burleigh's inspiring text captures the magical moment when Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a writer, as he first wrote "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."Clackety clack clack clack...Can you hear the rhythm of the train? Langston Hughes did. Traveling to see his father in 1920, as he listened to the sounds of the train -- metal on metal, wheels on rails -- Hughes's imagination t... read more

Robert Burleigh's inspiring text captures the magical moment when Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a writer, as he first wrote "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."Clackety clack clack clack...Can you hear the rhythm of the train? Langston Hughes did. Traveling to see his father in 1920, as he listened to the sounds of the train -- metal on metal, wheels on rails -- Hughes's imagination t... read more

First-time author/illustrator Lorena Eliasen brings to life the story of how a chameleon won his colors in this dazzling pop-up book.Lorena Eliasen's fable about how the chameleon earned his many colors is a stunning first book, filled with vibrant, detailed art of the hapless dragonfly and Pepe the chameleon. This amazing work of art captures the marvels of nature's color-changing chameleons ... read more

First-time author/illustrator Lorena Eliasen brings to life the story of how a chameleon won his colors in this dazzling pop-up book.Lorena Eliasen's fable about how the chameleon earned his many colors is a stunning first book, filled with vibrant, detailed art of the hapless dragonfly and Pepe the chameleon. This amazing work of art captures the marvels of nature's color-changing chameleons ... read more

Provides an amusing look at a lively family gathering as they yelp and bicker about the various facts of the stories they tell, that is until Grandma pulls out a home movie and settles the dispute over what landed on Cousin Ernie's head once and for all.

Provides an amusing look at a lively family gathering as they yelp and bicker about the various facts of the stories they tell, that is until Grandma pulls out a home movie and settles the dispute over what landed on Cousin Ernie's head once and for all.

If you thought that the only thing Ms. Frizzle taught was science, you were wrong! In the first book in the Ms. Frizzle¹s Adventures line, she goes on vacation, takes control of a tour group, and takes readers back to ancient Egypt. With Ms. Frizzle as their guide, young readers will be eager to discover the enchanting world of ancient Egypt. Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, the duo behind the Mag... read more

If you thought that the only thing Ms. Frizzle taught was science, you were wrong! In the first book in the Ms. Frizzle¹s Adventures line, she goes on vacation, takes control of a tour group, and takes readers back to ancient Egypt. With Ms. Frizzle as their guide, young readers will be eager to discover the enchanting world of ancient Egypt. Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, the duo behind the Mag... read more

Amy has
3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Communication

Amy is a seasoned professional editor who worked from my children's book text that was already fully illustrated, and close to publication. I received valuable constructive criticism, and changes that made my story flow much better. I had hired someone else prior, but I was not happy. With Amy, I quickly recognized that she was worth every penny.
We went back and forth several times, and eac...